As Virginia’s environmental regulatory agency, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) works to protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s environment through a variety of efforts that include, issuance of permits, environmental monitoring, special studies, and oversight of cleanup actions. Some of these efforts are of significant interest to stakeholders. 

This page provides a list of some of those actions. Select any header to access a dedicated webpage with more detailed information and resources. 

Adkins Store Petroleum Release
During the inspection of the Adkins Store's underground gas storage tanks, a significant fuel leak was identified. The resulting investigation revealed that nearby groundwater and the gas station's water well were contaminated by the spill.

Bristol Landfill
This Bristol, Virginia landfill had a history of performance problems and community concerns stemming from disruptive landfill odors. DEQ convened an expert panel to develop a series of remedial actions, many of which have been implemented. 

Buchanan County Sewer Infrastructure Damage
First reported in February 2025, extensive sections of the Buchanan County sewer system were damaged by severe flooding of the Levisa Fork River, resulting in ongoing sewage discharges to the river and issuance of a recreation advisory. Buchanan County Public Service Authority continues to make incremental repairs to the system.  

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG)
The CPRG is a key federal grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. DEQ received a combined $150 million in grant funds to be used for climate action planning and implementation projects. 

Coopers Cove Petroleum Release
A petroleum leak in Hardy, Virginia, first reported in November 2023, was found to have contaminated nearby drinking water wells. DEQ has been engaged in remediation efforts to protect the community’s drinking water while exploring options for alternate water supplies.  

Data Center Air Monitoring Project
DEQ is conducting a special air monitoring project to determine if additional air monitoring is needed in and around areas containing high numbers of data centers. This project will assess air quality in Loudoun and Prince William counties' “Data Center Alleys.” There are currently 72 data centers operating in just Loudoun County, with nine more in the planning phase.

Dominion Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center Project
A proposed power plant expansion at Dominion Energy’s Chesterfield power station would employ  four natural gas-powered turbines for use during periods of peak power demand. This proposed project is subject to a prevention of significant deterioration air permit. 

Douglas Ave Sewer Main Failure
This webpage provides information concerning a sewer main break that occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m. along Douglas Ave near the intersection with Rolfe Terrace in the City of Portsmouth.

Environmental Justice 
The Office of Environmental Justice was established in 2021 to ensure the fair and meaningful involvement of all people in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies across all DEQ programs. 

Expedition Generating Station
This is a proposed natural gas-fired, combined cycle combustion turbine power plant to be located in Fluvanna County. This proposed facility requires a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) major source air permit.

Google's Project Raspberry
This webpage provides information on activities related to Google LLC’s proposed Project Raspberry data center campus. The project would be located within the existing Botetourt Center at Greenfield in Daleville, which is in Botetourt County.

Green Ridge Landfill
Situated on approximately 1,200 acres, this proposed recycling and disposal facility would be located in Cumberland County. 

Harmful Algal Blooms
DEQ and the Virginia Department of Health are collaborating on a special study to investigate algal blooms that may be harmful to humans and wildlife. The study area includes Lake Anna and the Shenandoah River basin.   

Hopewell Sewer Overflow - South First Avenue Sewer Main Failure
This webpage provides information concerning a sewer main break that occurred on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at approximately 6 a.m. in a wooded area located near the end of S. 1st Ave. in Hopewell, Virginia.

Mountain Valley Pipeline - Main Line
DEQ continues to monitor activities related to the Mountain Valley natural gas transmission pipeline that runs through Craig, Franklin, Giles, Montgomery, and Roanoke counties.  

Mountain Valley Pipeline - Boost Project
This project proposes the construction of a natural gas pipeline compressor station in Montgomery County.  

Mountain Valley Pipeline - Southgate Amendment
The Southgate Amendment project is comprised of approximately 31.3 miles of pipeline, 26 miles of which are located in Pittsylvania County. This project will connect the Mountain Valley Pipeline main line to a separate pipeline in North Carolina.

New Kent Train Derailment
This webpage is dedicated to information regarding the Oct. 25, 2025 derailment of an east-bound CSX coal train in New Kent County.

NPS Pilot Program
This pay-for-performance pilot program seeks to reduce non-point source pollution in the Chesapeake Bay through innovative nutrient reduction projects.  

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
PFAS are persistent synthetic chemicals used in consumer products since the 1940s. Since 2021, DEQ has been monitoring PFAS in streams, rivers, and reservoirs across the Commonwealth. 

Possum Point
This former coal-fired power plant holds several permits with DEQ for continued operation as a natural gas and oil-fired plant and the closure of former coal ash impoundments. 

Potomac Interceptor Collapse
On Jan. 19 a section of DC Water sewage infrastructure known as the 'Potomac Interceptor' collapsed resulting in the discharge of raw sewage into the Potomac River. In response and to prioritize the safety and well-being of Virginians, the DEQ initiated a special water sampling effort along Virginia's shoreline of the Potomac River. 

Radford Army Ammunition Plant
Built in the 1940s, this plant is the only active military propellant manufacturing center in the country. The facility is subject to a variety of air, water, and waste regulations administered by DEQ.  

Robinson Terminal North 
DEQ’s Petroleum Program is monitoring corrective actions to address soil and groundwater contamination at the Robinson Terminal North property located at 500 and 501 North Union Street, in the City of Alexandria.  

Shoosmith Landfill
This webpage provides information about the Shoosmith Bros., Inc. sanitary landfill, an inactive municipal solid waste landfill located in Chesterfield County, Va. Opened in 1976, the 335-acre facility accepted municipal solid waste and several other approved waste types before ceasing operations. The landfill is no longer accepting waste and is currently preparing for closure.

Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) 
This Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company’s (Transco’s) pipeline project involves construction of 26.8 miles of 42-inch diameter pipeline in Pittsylvania County to transport natural gas from an existing Transco station to an interconnect with Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Main Line. 

Tidewater Air Monitoring Evaluation Project
DEQ is conducting a special study to evaluate the potential health impacts of nearby coal storage and transportation facilities in the Lambert’s Point neighborhood in Norfolk and the Southeast Community in Newport News.  

Volkswagen Settlement Agreement
As a result of a settlement agreement with Volkswagen stemming from a violation of the Clear Air Act, DEQ administers over $93 million through the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation trust to reduce air pollution in Virginia.